Undersized center under scrutiny

OXNARD, Calif. – There’s been a changing of the guard of sorts at backup center.

Travis Bright started camp as the backup center, but he’s been moved to guard to make room for undrafted rookie Phil Costa, who impressed the coaches with his play in the first two preseason games.

While right guard Kyle Kosier would likely slide over to center if an injury sidelined Pro Bowler Andre Gurode, the 6-foot-3, 316-pound Costa could be a long-term solution to the lack of depth at the spot.

Costa was a two-year starter for Maryland. He played mostly guard for the Terrapins until his senior year, when he was moved to center.

“The only thing about Costa is his size,” coach Wade Phillips said. “He’s a little bit undersized, but he plays well. Now, could he play well against Albert Haynesworth? That’s what we need to see: if he can play well against the first-team guys and do the things that’s he’s been doing against the second- or third-team guys. He’s playing well against those people.”